Liverpool Transfer News: Adam Johnson Would Be Great Signing for Brendan Rodgers

The Red's are hoping that one team's sub can be another team's striker.

Brendan Rodgers, current manager of Liverpool, has expressed interest in neglected Manchester City winger Adam Johnson. Such a signing, Rodgers hopes, could put a significant dent in Liverpool's prevalent scoring problem.

Rodgers and Liverpool recently joined teams like Sunderland, Spurs and Everton as teams that are interested in putting up the £10 million asking price imposed by Manchester City. The £10 million is £2 million more than his transfer from Middlesbrough to City two years ago (via the independent).

Johnson has scored 15 goals for City in 97 appearances. He came in as a substitute in 43 of those 97 appearances (via BBC).

In 12 national appearances for England, Johnson has netted two goals. He started in England's friendly against Italy last Wednesday.

Similar to his role in the Premier League, he has been mostly utilized internationally as a substitute for some extra firepower. He got the start in Wednesday's friendly but is ignored during actual international competition.

Despite a well-regarded reputation, Johnson has been unable to maintain a starting spot at Manchester City. Johnson believes the inconsistency in his playing time is why he has not been able to fully perform.

"I'm the kind of player that needs to be playing regularly," said Johnson (via the independent). "Any player does, really, no matter what age they are. I need to play week-in week-out. You can't just go into one game after not having played for five, and be expected to perform."

Johnson is an undervalued player because of his lack of playing time. The 25-year-old has shown striking potential and could pay hefty, long-term dividends for Liverpool.

Manchester City Manager Roberto Mancini has admitted he does not want to lose Johnson. "Adam can have a future here but you should also understand when you are 23 or 24 years old, you want to play," said Roberto Mancini (via the independent)."If you are at a top team, you can't always do that, so I agree, if he wants to, he has to leave – but if that happens I will be so sorry because Adam is a good guy."

Providing nothing changes, Johnson's willingness to leave City and Liverpool leading the charge for him should result in the young striker wearing red by the end of the month.

Will he be a Fernando Torres for Liverpool? Unlikely. However, he is a step in the right direction for the Reds, a team that can use all the offensive firepower it can get.

Having played only 10 league games last season, Johnson has much to prove. Liverpool would be an ideal team to help him do so.